Lone Star Ceili Band

The Lone Star Ceili Band is one of Texas’ custodians of traditional Irish music and dance.  Reflecting a growing heritage of Texans who perform the timeless music and dance of Ireland, the LSCB dedicates itself to promoting these arts to the general public at venues throughout the Southwest.

The ensemble gives a worthy representation of traditional “ceili” bands as found in Ireland.  The word “ceili” is an Irish word that means gathering, a social event.  In Ireland, ceilis are occasions for group dancing akin to our Texas square dances and hoedowns.  For all who hear, the language of Irish music causes “hearts and feet to dance at the joy of it.”  There is an unmistakable melodic sound that is Irish, and the success of a ceili band is often measured by how well its music inspires the dancers.  When played well, the lift and lilt of the music naturally draws feet to the floor.  The real magic happens when there is a collective spirit of dancers and musicians as they enjoy each others contributions.

The members of LSCB are accomplished players of traditional Irish music.  Each performs with other ensembles encompassing a wide-range of musical interests and styles.  But because of their common love for playing music for dancers, they formed LSCB in the fall of 2000 and immediately became a dance band in demand whether the venue is a ceili or a contra dance.

For most of its stage performances, the band is joined by a number of Irish step dancers to demonstrate the important bond that exists between the dance and music of Ireland.  The dancers, dressed in traditional costumes, perform a variety of dance sets showcasing the skills and energy of step dancing that has become so popular because of dance productions like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

The Lone Star Ceili Band accepts a variety of engagements:  ceilis, contra dances, stage shows, festivals, celebrations, weddings, and more.  It also can provide music and/or ceili dance workshops.  For bookings, contact Ken Fleming at 972-783-8445 or contact the band via email at lonestar@trad-music.com. 

Members of Lone Star Ceili Band

Mimi Rogers – Mimi was raised on hymns and folk songs, playing flute as a child and, for many years since, the fiddle.  Well-known for her playing at contra dances with Happensdance partner Allison Hicks,  Mimi discovered Irish fiddle music two decades ago and continues to play it with much affection and ability.  She is also member of the band Ragged Edge, Gallus and the Trinity Hall Session Players.

Allison Hicks – Allison is a music teacher and a highly-acclaimed piano accompanist for dance music.  Besides keeping a steady beat for dancers, Allison’s playing is known for its creative, flowing chord patterns and its expressive moods that enhance the melodies and excites the dancers. Playing for dancers is a favorite pastime with duo partner Mimi Rogers both in Happensdance and with LSCB.  She also is a member of the Trinity Hall Session Players.

Peggy Fleming – Peggy has played traditional music for most of her life.  In her earlier years, she played Old Timey American music and later became more focused on Irish music, both as a singer and fiddler.  She has been a member of the New Dallas String Band, Tinker’s Dam, Waifs & Strays, Loose Change and is a current member of Jigsaw and the Trinity Hall Session Players.

Ken Fleming – Ken has played traditional Irish music for 30 years on a number of instruments including guitar, tenor banjo, mandolin, tinwhistle, button accordion and Anglo concertina.  Playing dance music is a passion he shares with his wife Peggy and, in 1982, they founded the Southwest Celtic Music Association and, in 1983, the North Texas Irish Festival, further promoting the music and dance of Ireland in Texas.  He is currently president/founder of the Traditional Irish Music Education Society and director/founder of the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat.  He was a member of Tinker’s Dam, Waifs & Strays, Loose Change and is a current member of Jigsaw and the Trinity Hall Session Players.

Kevin Alewine – For more than two decades, Kevin has played with traditional American or Irish ensembles performing on guitar, mandolin, flute, tinwhistle and banjo.  He has been active in leadership with the Southwest Celtic Music Association and has directed the North Texas Irish Festival.  All of his three children have been involved with Irish dance, making his LSCB membership a family affair.  He has been a member of Sweet Song String Band, Waifs & Strays, Loose Change and is a current member of Jigsaw and the Trinity Hall Session Players.